A new name, a clear message: why we are changing our name and what it means for our peace work
We are pleased to announce an important change for our organisation: forumZFD is now operating under the new name Pro Peace. This step is the result of an intensive process of reflection and reorientation that we have undergone in recent months. Our previous name accompanied us faithfully for many years and expressed our close connection to the Civil Peace Service. But the world is changing, and with it the challenges facing our organisation are also growing.
Peace is more than the absence of war - it is a vision, an attitude and a daily challenge. Since our foundation almost 30 years ago, we at the Forum Civil Peace Service have worked to resolve conflicts non-violently, strengthen civil societies and create prospects for a more just world.
We are one of the pioneers of peace work in Germany. Our forum has turned the idea of a Civil Peace Service developed in the peace movement into a real, effective program for peace work. We want to build on this and continue it. But today, in a world where war and violence have once again become part of everyday life, our work faces new challenges.
The number of violent conflicts is growing, and with it the threat to those who courageously work for peace and just societies. Many of the people we work with risk their lives every day to denounce injustice and promote dialog. Their work shows that Peace is possible - but it needs our collective effort, our solidarity and a strong voice.
Although a terrible war is raging in Europe and there are more and more violent conflicts worldwide, there is no serious political debate in Germany about an active peace policy. Instead of just looking at security policy and putting all resources into military armament, concepts and more resources for peacebuilding are essential. In our view, what is needed today is a similar departure to the late 1990s, when the ZFD and numerous other peacebuilding programs and institutions became a political reality. We want to work towards this - especially now, when we seem to be so far away from it - and, as an organization, drive forward this new departure for an active peace policy. That is why we have now taken a big step: We have changed our name. forumZFD is now Pro Peace.
Our previous name was a very precise expression of our roots. However, it often caused misunderstandings. We were confused with the alternative military service and even with the television channel ZDF. Many also understood us to be a provider of voluntary service abroad for young people. Incorrect spellings were the order of the day. The name was particularly difficult to access internationally and often prevented us from conveying our message clearly.
With Pro Peace, this is now set to change. The new name is short, concise and understandable worldwide. It immediately shows what we stand for: peace. And it reflects our attitude and our claim: we actively shape peace, we combine passion and expertise - practically on the ground and politically critical. We are convinced that peace is possible - even in seemingly hopeless situations.
What remains - and what is to come?
Even with a new name, the core of our work remains unchanged: We stand for non-violent conflict resolution and an active peace policy. With Pro Peace, we want to become more visible and more effective. In a world that relies on the ability to wage war, we say loud and clear: Germany and the world must become capable of peace!
Peace needs us all
Peace is not a task that we can accomplish alone. It requires the commitment of many. That is why we invite you to continue to support us - with your donation, your voice and your attitude.
Together we can prove that a world without violence is possible.
